Why spicy food is good for you

Do you find yourself adding fresh chillies, hot sauce or copious amounts of chilli flakes to most of your meals? If you’re a chilli fanatic, then we’ve got some excellent news spicy food is good for you! It has been shown that there are numerous benefits to eating chillies, including the possibility of living that little bit longer. Continue reading to find out what they are.

1. Chillies boost longevityEating fiery foods as little as two days per week can boost your longevity, according to an extensive study carried out in China. The study found that those who consume spicy food regularly had a lower mortality risk over seven years than those who have it once a week or less.

2. They help you lose weightHot peppers can curb your appetite, meaning you simply don’t eat as much, and the capsaicin in these peppers increases the bodys ability to burn calories. Moreover, people tend to eat more slowly when consuming spicy foods, which is much better for you.

3. They are good for your heartIn countries where spicy food is consumed regularly, there are far fewer incidents of heart attacks and strokes. The reasons for this are because chillies limit the damaging effects of LDL and capsaicin fights inflammation. In addition, the vitamins in hot peppers strengthen the heart muscle walls and the heat increases blood flow, all of which makes your cardiovascular system stronger.

4. You’ll be less likely to get cancerCapsaicin can reduce your risk of getting cancer, as it’s been shown to activate cell receptors in the intestinal lining, which prevents tumours.

5. You can use them to combat a coldCapsaicin is similar to a compound found in decongestants, meaning spicy foods can help clear out your sinuses. Peppers also protect nasal membranes, as they are rich in Vitamin A, which helps strengthen the mucous membranes that prevent germs from getting into your body.